TWI467105B - Method of securing pipe elements end to end - Google Patents

Description

Method of fixing end-to-end pipe elements

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a method of securing a tubular member in an end-to-end relationship using a pre-assembled mechanical tubular coupling member, including a coupling member that is deformable to conform to the tubular member, thereby facilitating assembly of the tubular joint.

A mechanical coupling for joining the tubular elements together end to end includes an interconnectable section that is positionable to circumferentially surround the end portion of the coaxial alignment tubular element. The use of the term "tube element" in this specification refers to any tubular article or component having a tubular pattern. Tube components include tubing, tubing fittings such as elbows, caps and T-tubes, and fluid control components such as valves, reducers, filters, flow restrictors, pressure regulators, and the like.

Each mechanical coupling section includes a housing having an arcuate surface that projects radially inwardly from the housing and engages the flat tube member or circumferentially extending around each of the tube members to be joined Groove. The engagement between the arcuate surface and the tubular element provides a mechanical constraint on the joint and ensures that the tubular element remains joined even under conditions of high internal pressure and external forces. The housing defines an annular passage that receives a gasket or seal, typically an elastomeric ring that engages the ends of each tubular element and cooperates with such sections to provide a fluid sealing effect. These sections have attachment members that are generally in the form of lugs that protrude outwardly from the housing. The lugs are adapted to receive tie members that are adjustable to tighten the sections toward each other, such as nuts and bolts.

To ensure a good fit between the coupling member and the tubular member, the arcuate surface on the conventional coupling member has a radius of curvature that substantially matches the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the tubular member to which it is desired to engage. In the case of a coupling member for a grooved pipe member, the radius of curvature of the arcuate surface is smaller than the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the tubular member outside the groove such that the arcuate surface fits snugly into and engages the grooves.

Conventional methods for securing tube components in an end-to-end relationship include a lengthy and time consuming installation procedure. In general, the mechanic receives a plurality of segments that are bolted together and the ring seal is trapped within the passage of the segment. The mechanic first removes the bolt to disassemble the coupling, removes the ring seal, lubricates the coupling (without pre-lubrication) and places it around the end of the tubular element to be joined. The installation of the ring seal requires lubrication and stretching to match the pipe element, which is often a difficult and cumbersome task because the ring seal is usually rigid and the lubrication makes the seal difficult to manipulate. . After the ring seal is positioned on the two pipe elements, the segments are placed one at a time across the ends of the pipe elements and the segments are held against the ring seal to trap them. During the placement process, the segments are joined to the seal, the arcuate surface is aligned with the groove, and the bolt is inserted through the lug, the nut is screwed onto the bolt and tightened so that the joint sections face each other The seal is compressed, compressed, and the arcuate surface is engaged within the groove.

As evident from the above description, the installation of mechanical tube couplings according to the prior art requires the craftsman to handle at least seven separate parts (more parts will be present when the coupling has more than two sections) and must be thoroughly Decompose and reassemble the coupling. If the mechanic can install the mechanical tube coupling without first completely disassembling the mechanical tube coupling and then reassembling it one by one, it will save a lot of time, effort and cost.

The present invention relates to a method for securing tubular members in end-to-end relationship with opposite end portions, the end portions of the tubular members having a generally cylindrical contour, the coupling member having a plurality of coupling member end pairs Endly interconnected to surround a central space, the link sections having an arcuate surface adapted to interface with an outer surface of the tube, the method comprising: (a) inserting end portions of the tube elements into the central space And (b) drawing the link segments toward each other such that the arcuate surfaces of the segments engage the outer surfaces of the tubular members.

The method according to the invention may also include deforming the link segments to conform the curvature of the arcuate surfaces of the link segments to the outer surfaces of the tubular members.

In some embodiments, each tube element can have a circumferential groove positioned adjacent the end portions, the method further having the arcuate surface of the segments within the circumferential groove of the tube members Bonding, the surfaces forming the grooves may also be considered to be the outer surfaces of the tube members.

To ensure fluid engagement, the coupling member has a seal formed by a flexible elastic ring located in a central space defined by the segments, and when the seal is provided, the method includes the ends of the tubular members Partially inserted into the ring.

The ring may include a tongue that extends circumferentially along the ring and projects radially inwardly. The method still further includes engaging an end portion of the tubular members with the tongue by inserting end portions of the tubular members into the central space.

The ring may further include a pair of lips that are located on opposite sides of the tongue and that extend circumferentially along the ring. The method still further includes engaging the respective end portions of the tubular members with one of the lips by inserting the end portions of the tubular members into the central space.

When having an annular seal, the method can also include supporting the link segments on one of the outer surfaces of the ring in spaced relation to one another.

The coupling member can also have a lug that is positioned at each end of each segment. The lugs located in one segment are in confronting relationship with the lugs located in the other segment. The lugs receive tie members that adjustably interconnect the segments, and the tie members can be pulled toward each other by locking the tie members.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a tube coupling 10 in accordance with the present invention. The coupling member 10 is comprised of link members 12 and 14, which are interconnected to straddle the end portions 16a and 18a of the tubular members 16 and 18 to secure the tubular members together in an end-to-end relationship. The end portions of the tubular members have respective substantially cylindrical contoured outer surfaces 20 and 22.

The interconnection of the link sections 12 and 14 is achieved by the attachment members, which are preferably in the form of lugs 24 and 26 as best shown in FIG. The lugs are preferably positioned at each end of each segment and project outwardly from the segments. The lugs 24 and 26 are positioned in facing relationship and are adapted to receive a tie member, preferably in the form of a bolt 28 and a nut 30 that can be adjusted for tightening and cooperate with the lugs 24 and 26 The connecting pieces are adjustably connected to each other as described below.

As best seen in FIG. 1, each of the segments 12 and 14 includes a pair of arcuate surfaces 32 and 34. The arcuate surfaces are spaced apart from each other and preferably project radially inwardly toward the tubular members 16 and 18. The surfaces extend from a housing 36 having side walls 38 joined to a back wall 40 that define a passage 42 for receiving a member 44.

Examples of the seal 44 are shown in Figures 4 and 5. The seal 44 is preferably a flexible, resilient ring of elastomeric material. The seal may have a lip 46 that utilizes internal pressure within the tube to increase the sealing force between the seal and the outer surfaces 20 and 22 of the tubular members 16 and 18. As shown in Fig. 5, the closure member 44 can also have a tongue 48 between the lips 46 that extends circumferentially along the closure and projects radially inwardly. The tongue 48 provides a stop surface that engages the ends of the tubular members 16 and 18 to ensure proper positioning of the seal 44 relative to the tubular members, as described below. The engagement of the tubular member with the tongue 48 also facilitates alignment of the arcuate surface with the groove (if any) or with the alignment marks on the outer surface of the tubular member.

As shown in FIG. 2, the arcuate surfaces 32 and 34 have a radius of curvature 50 that is greater than the radius of curvature 52 of the outer surfaces 20 and 22 of the tubular members 16 and 18. In addition, the arcuate surface 32 faces an angle 54 that is less than 180°. An angle 54 between about 40° and about 179° is used in combination. Because of this arched surface geometry, sections 12 and 14 can be pre-assembled independently of one another such that tube elements 16 and 18 can be inserted directly into coupling 10 as shown in Figure 1 without first decomposing the coupling. This feature provides an advantage over conventional couplings that must be assembled one by one to the end of the tube. The use of a coupling member 10 in accordance with the present invention to join the ends of the tubes is smoother and faster than the use of conventional coupling members because the craftsman handles fewer parts and does not need to screw the nut onto the bolts. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the closure member 44 has an outer diameter 56 sized to maintain the coupling members 12 and 14 in a sufficiently spaced relationship to permit insertion of the tube end as previously described. The inner diameter 58 of the seal is sized to receive the end portions 16a and 18a of the tubular member simply by pushing the coupling member onto the tubular member or inserting the tubular member into the coupling member. Other embodiments having different features for supporting the segments in a spaced relationship are described below.

After both tube members 16 and 18 are inserted into the coupling member 10 as shown in Fig. 1A, the nut 30 is tightened (see also Fig. 2). The nut 30 cooperates with its bolt 28 to draw the arcuate surfaces 32 and 34 on the section 12 toward the arcuate surface on the section 14. The tightening of the nut exerts a force on the lugs 24 and 26 which bring the sections into contact with the tubular element and causes the sections 12 and 14 to deform such that the radius of curvature 50 of the arcuate surfaces 32 and 34 substantially conforms The radius of curvature 52 of the tube members 16 and 18. This effect is illustrated by comparing FIGS. 2 and 3 and 1A and 1B, wherein the gap 60 between the arcuate surface and the outer surface of the tube is reduced when the arcuate surface is brought into engagement with the outer surface of the tube end. The deformation of the segments 12 and 14 is preferably substantially elastic, allowing the segments to substantially spring back to their original shape when the nut 30 is unscrewed, thereby permitting multiple uses as described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Coupling member 10. The segments can also be designed to have significant elastic deformation, wherein the deformation imparts a permanent set to the segments. For practical couplings, there is usually some degree of plastic deformation and elastic deformation in the sections due to the tightening of the tie members. Moreover, when segments 12 and 14 are in an undeformed state (Fig. 2), lugs 24 and 26 can be oriented at an oblique angle to each other. A relative angle 62 of no more than about 10 is useful. As shown in FIG. 3, the relative oblique orientation of the lugs 24 and 26 decreases as the segments deform, and the geometry can be designed such that the lugs generally conform to the outer surface at the arcuate surfaces 32 and 34. At 20 and 22, it will be roughly parallel. This is preferred because the bolt head and nut will generally lie in flush contact with the lug when fully tightened, thereby avoiding induced bending moments within the bolt that may cause permanent deformation of the bolt. The closure 44 is also modified by the procedure, as shown in Figure 1B, to fully engage the lip 46 with the tubular member outer surfaces 20 and 22. Since the closure 44 is substantially incompressible, it must have a space for it to expand as it is compressed by the segments. This space is provided by a recess 64 in the back wall 40 between the side walls 38. The recess 64 can take almost any practical shape and accept volume changes that occur when the seal is heated or exposed to fluid, thereby causing the deformation of the seal to be more evenly distributed over its circumference and mitigating the seal from the section. The tendency to extrude between and between the lugs. In the case of the tongue 48, the recess also prevents the tongue from being forced into the tube member to impede flow between the ends.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the case of a pre-assembled coupling member 10, preferably retaining the nut 30 on one of the bolts 28 maintains the segments 12 and 14 between the segments and the seal 44. The location of the desired separation relationship that is determined by the contact. This is conveniently achieved by deforming the threads 29 of the bolts 28, preferably by staking. Pile-engaging such bolts can impede the rotation of the nut and prevent the nut from loosening from the bolt under, for example, vibration during transport, and the pre-assembled state in which the joints are held together prior to installation work. This post engagement can be overcome when the nut is tightened by a wrench.

The bending stiffness of the sections can be adjusted to control the force required to deform it in order to reduce the necessary assembly torque and to reduce wear between the nut and the lug. As shown in FIG. 6, the region 66 of increased bending deflection can be formed in the housing 36 of the segments by reducing the area moment of inertia of the segments 12 and 14. Such reduction is preferably accomplished by adding one or more indentations 68 to one or both of the back wall 40 and the arcuate surfaces 32 and 34.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, the sections may have arcuate surfaces 32 and 34 (not shown) including inwardly projecting teeth 69. The teeth 69 engage the outer surface of the tubular element to provide mechanical restraint and are particularly advantageous when used with flat tube elements. The teeth 69 can be substantially continuous, as shown on section 14, or intermittent, as shown on section 12. A single tooth is also possible, which is best used in small couplings. As shown in Figure 7A, the teeth 69 may also be arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the segment to enhance the mechanical constraints provided by the links.

Although the above-described coupling member according to the present invention is composed of two sections, this is only an example. A coupling having more than two sections is also feasible for larger diameter tubes and would be preferred due to manufacturing costs, as it would be economical to reduce the size of the sections. Another advantage is that the spacing between the lugs is reduced, requiring fewer turns of the nut and shorter bolts. This allows standard depth sockets to be used during installation. Figure 8 shows an example of a coupling embodiment 72 having four sections 74 similar to those previously described.

Of the couplings hitherto shown, all of the arcuate surfaces have substantially the same radius of curvature. While this configuration is suitable for interconnecting tubes having substantially the same diameter, Figure 9 illustrates a coupling embodiment 76 for joining tubular members of different diameters. The coupling member 76 is composed of two sections 78 and 80 (but it may have more than two sections). Each segment has a first arcuate surface 82 having a first radius of curvature 84 and a second arcuate surface 86 having a second radius of curvature 88 that is less than one of the first radii of curvature 84. This allows the coupling member 76 to engage a tubular member 90 having a larger diameter to a tubular member 92 having a smaller diameter. Similar to the coupling described above, the radius of curvature 84 is greater than the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the tubular member 90, and the radius of curvature 88 is greater than the radius of curvature of the tubular member 92. This geometric relationship allows the tubular members 90 and 92 to be inserted into a pre-assembled coupling member 76 and achieves the benefits of the present invention. The link sections 78 and 80 are deformed after being biased by the adjustable connecting member such that their radius of curvature conforms to the outer surface of the tubular member.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the inwardly projecting arcuate surfaces 32 and 34 of the coupling member 10 engage the grooves 94 formed in the outer surfaces 20 and 22 of the tubular member end portions 16a and 18a. . The interaction between the arcuate surfaces 32 and 34 and their respective grooves 94 permits the coupling to provide a relatively strong end constraint to withstand forces due to internal pressure or external loads. To provide a strong end restraint effect, it has been found effective to add a second set of arched surfaces to interact with the second set of grooves in the tubular element. This embodiment is illustrated in Figure 11, in which a coupling member 96 is comprised of sections 98 and 100, each section having two pairs of arcuate surfaces 102 and 104 projecting inwardly from the section. The arcuate surfaces are in a generally parallel spaced relationship to each other and are joined to a pair of grooves 106 in the surface of the tubular members 108 and 110 that can be joined together.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a coupling member 10, such as 10, in accordance with the present invention can be used with tubular member 112 having a raised circumferential shoulder 116 joined by arcuate surfaces 32 and 34 of segments 12 and 14. And 114. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, a coupling member 118 having sections 120 and 122 including respective arcuate surfaces 124 and 126 in accordance with the present invention is used for tube members 128 and 130 having flared end portions 132 and 134. . It is to be noted that in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 9-13, the closure 44 has a tongue 48 that is effectively used to position the end of the tube within the coupling after insertion, the tongue acting as a tube A stop to assist in positioning the end of the tube at the correct depth within the coupling.

Another link embodiment embodiment 136 is shown in FIG. The coupling member 136 is comprised of two sections 138 and 144 from which the lugs 142 and 144 extend, the lugs cooperating with the tying member 146 as a connecting member to adjustably couple a coupling section To another section. As previously mentioned, each section has a pair of arcuate surfaces 148, 150, each of which preferably projects radially inward from the section. The arcuate surfaces are opposite an angle 152 of less than 180° and have a radius of curvature 154 that is greater than the radius of curvature of the tubular member to which the coupling member is to be joined. Anti-rotation teeth 70 are positioned adjacent the arcuate surfaces and project radially inwardly to engage the tubular elements and provide torsional stiffness.

As best seen in FIG. 15, each of the segments 138 and 140 has a pair of beveled orientation surface portions 156 and 158 positioned adjacent each of the lugs 142 and 144. As shown, the slope of surface portion 156 can be the slope of surface portion 158 opposite the same segment. (The two surfaces may also be inclined in the same direction.) The opposite slope relationship between the surfaces of such a segment results in a surface having a comparable slope as shown in Figure 15 being positioned in a pre-assembled joint as a face-to-face The relationship. When the tie members 146 are tightened such that the arcuate surfaces conform to the outer surface of the tubular member, the beveled surface portions 156 and 158 on each segment engage and slide relative to each other, causing the segments to be pulled Together, they rotate relative to each other in opposite directions centered on an axis 160 that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of the joined tubular element. These movements of sections 138 and 140 cause the arcuate surfaces 148 and 150 to engage the grooves of the tubular element as previously described and provide rigidity with respect to all axes of the joint. For a link segment having a surface portion that includes the same slope, the links move in opposite directions with the tube relative to each other under similar effects.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16, the sections 138 and 140 that form the link 136 have a passage 162 defined by the housing 164. The housing is formed by a back wall 166 and a plurality of side walls 168 and receives a piece of material 170 that is sized to position the link sections 138 and 140 in a spaced relationship to permit insertion of the tube elements. 14 is shown in the pre-assembled coupling. A recess 172 is provided in the back wall to provide a space for volume changes that occur when the seal is heated or exposed to fluid, and prevents the tongue 48 from being forced into between the ends of the tube member and because of the seal Compressed to hinder flow.

In another embodiment of the coupling, as shown in Figure 17, the coupling member 174 is again comprised of at least two coupling segments 176 and 178, each segment having an inwardly projecting arcuate surface 180 as previously described. However, the arcuate surface 180 has notches 182 and 184 at opposite ends. The notches 182 and 184 provide clearance at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions of the coupling member, where the permitting tube member is inserted into the most desired recess in the pre-assembled coupling member 174. The availability of providing increased clearance at these locations allows the link sections 176 and 178 to be spaced less apart in a pre-assembled configuration than if the gap was not provided at the end of the surface. By having pre-assembled link segments that are closer together, the amount of deformation required to conform the arcuate surface to the outer surface of the tubular member is reduced, thereby also reducing the energy required to tighten the tie.

Another coupling embodiment 192 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. The coupling member 192 includes an arched hoop 194 that surrounds a central space 196. The hoop 194 has opposite ends 198 and 200 that are positioned in facing relationship to each other. The ends 198 and 200 are spaced apart in a pre-assembled coupling member and having a connecting member mounted thereon, the connecting members preferably being adapted to receive lugs 202 and 204 of a tie member such as bolt 206 and nut 208. style. After the tubular element has been inserted into the central space 196, the bolt and nut cooperate with the lug to deform the hoop 194 and bring the ends 198 and 200 toward each other to join in an end-to-end relationship. Hoop 194 has a pair of arcuate surfaces 210 from which only one surface can be seen. The arcuate surfaces are spaced apart from each other as shown in Figure 10 and as previously described with respect to other embodiments. The arcuate surface 210 has a radius of curvature that is greater than the outer surface of the end of the tube to which the coupling members are to be joined together. This geometric configuration and the separation of the ends 198 and 200 allows the tubular element to be inserted into the central space 196. After the nut 208 is tightened, the band 194 is deformed such that the radius of curvature of the arcuate surface 210 is forced to conform to the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the tubular member to which it is engaged. It is to be noted that in the pre-assembled state, the lugs 202 and 204 are preferably oriented at an oblique angle to each other with a relative angle 212 of no more than about 20°. The tightening action on the tie members will cause the lugs to zoom toward each other, resulting in a decrease in the relative angle 212, preferably to the extent that the lugs are substantially parallel to each other. This is particularly advantageous for flexible joints that do not rely on the tubular element to form a reaction point to cause deformation associated with the bolt, and the friction at the reaction point inhibits flexibility.

The coupling member 192 includes a seal 214 positioned between the arcuate surfaces 210 within the hoop 194. The seal 214 can be similar to that shown in Figures 4 and 5 and is sized to receive the tubular element to create a fluid tighting effect when the hoop is deformed.

The bending deflection of the coupling member 192 can be adjusted by reducing the area moment of inertia of the hoop 194. Such adjustment can be achieved by defining a notch 216 in the hoop. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 19, a hinge 218 can be provided between the ends 198 and 200. Hinge 218 is preferably positioned equidistant from both ends of the hoop and provides infinite bending deflection to reduce the torque that must be applied to the tie members to bring ends 198 and 200 toward each other. The hoop 194 will still deform such that the arcuate surface 210 engages the outer surface of the tubular member such that the radius of the surfaces conforms to the radius of the outer surface of the tubular member. In the presence of a hinge, the seal 214 is sized to facilitate maintaining the lugs 202 and 204 in a spaced relationship for insertion of the tubular member. In the case of both hinged and hingeless versions of the coupling member, the arcuate surface preferably projects radially inwardly from the hoop and may have mutually different radii of curvature, as shown in Figure 9, thereby allowing the coupling member 192 to be Used to connect tubes of different diameters.

Figure 20 illustrates a pre-assembled coupling member 220 that maintains its sections 224 and 226 in a spaced relationship independent of the seal 222 and that is ready to receive a tubular member such as 228. The coupling member 220 has a spacer 230 that extends between the segments 224 and 226 and maintains the segments in a spaced relationship. In this exemplary embodiment, the septum 230 includes a collapsible sleeve 232 that is positioned between opposing lugs 234 and 236 that extend from the sections. The sleeve 232 preferably has a thin wall and a circular cross section and is arranged to coaxially surround the tie member 238. The sleeves may be made of a lightweight metal or a polymeric material such as polypropylene and may have scores 240 on the surface to create a weakening that promotes collapse of the sleeve under the compressive load applied by the tie members 238. Area. Other materials such as cardboard and rubber are also available. The sleeves are designed to be strong enough to support the sections during transport, handling and installation to maintain a separate relationship, but may be applied by a technician (preferably with a wrench to manually tighten the tie) Shrink under a predetermined compression load.

In use, tube elements to be joined end to end are interposed between sections 224 and 226. The tie 238 is then tightened to bring the segments toward each other and into engagement with the tubular members. The tightening action of the tie members causes the sleeve 232 to be under a compressive load, and the sleeves will buck and contract as shown in Figure 21 when the predetermined load is reached to allow the segments to move toward each other and engage. The connection is achieved by the tube elements.

The spacer positioned between the sections can be used with any type of mechanical coupling. It is to be noted that in Figures 20 and 21, sections 224 and 226 have an arcuate surface 242 having a radius of curvature that is substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the tubular element 228 that it is designed to engage. To provide a gap between the tubular member 228 and the segment that allows the tubular member to be inserted into the coupling while still maintaining a reasonable tie length, the notches 244 and 246 are positioned at opposite ends of the arcuate surface 242, as shown 20 best shown. The recesses provide clearance at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions of the coupling member to permit the tube member to be inserted into the pre-assembled coupling member 220.

Figure 22 illustrates another coupling embodiment 254 with a spacer 230 between the sections 256 and 258 that make up the coupling. In this example, the septum 230 includes a sleeve 260 that is again positioned coaxially with the tie member 262 and between the facing lugs 264 and 266 that extend from the segments. The sleeve 260 has creases 268 that promote the collapse of the sleeves when subjected to a compressive load applied by the tightening tie. It is to be noted that sections 256 and 258 are similar to those previously described with respect to Figures 1 and 2, wherein the arcuate surface of the section has a radius of curvature greater than the tubular element.

Another example of a spacer for maintaining the link section in a spaced relationship is shown in FIG. The link 270 is comprised of sections 272 and 274 having outwardly projecting lugs 266 and 264 that face each other when the link is pre-assembled. The segments are held together by tie members 280 that extend between the lugs. A spacer 282, preferably in the form of a block body 284, is positioned between the lugs 266 and 264. The body 284 can be removed from between the lugs to allow the tie to be tightened and the sections to be brought into engagement with the tubular element to be joined.

The body 284 can be releasably attached to the sections, such as by friction with the lugs 266 and 264. Flexible, resilient materials are particularly suitable for forming such bodies, as the bodies constructed from such materials provide sufficient strength and rigidity to maintain the separation of the links during rough handling, but can be easily deformed for easy removal as needed. If such a body is constructed from a polymeric material, it can be adhered to the lug by a hot melt or adhesive that provides a releasable bond between the body and the segment.

Figure 24 illustrates a non-deformable coupling embodiment 286 that maintains the link sections 290 and 292 in a spaced relationship using the spacers 288 such that the tubular elements can be inserted into the sections in a pre-assembled state as shown. between. The coupling member 286 does not have a recess or other feature that would provide clearance to facilitate end-to-end relationship between the tube member insertion sections, which rely on the spacer to provide sufficient spacing to provide sufficient clearance. Spacer 288 can be similar to that previously described.

The spacer according to the invention can also be used in a variety of other types of couplings. As shown in Figure 19, a spacer 288 can be used in the hinged joint embodiment 192 to maintain the lugs 202 and 204 in a spaced relationship such that the tubular member can be inserted. Although a tubular spacer is shown, it should be understood that any of the spacers described in this specification can be used with the coupling.

Figure 25 shows an adapter coupling 294 for joining a flanged tube to a flangeless tube, such as a grooved or flat end. The coupling member 294 includes link members 296 and 298, each having a radially extending flange 300 on one side and an arcuate surface 302 on the opposite side. Sections 296 and 298 are held in a spaced relationship by septum 304, which may include a collapsible tubular septum 306 or a removable septum 308, or other septum type as referred to in this specification. .

FIG. 26 illustrates other types of spacer embodiment 310 that are adapted to maintain the link sections 312 and 314 in a spaced relationship. The spacer 310 includes a spring element that deforms, preferably substantially elastically, upon being subjected to a compressive force applied by the tie member 316. The spring element can take any of a variety of styles, such as a rubber barrel 318 or a coil spring 320. The use of a spring element for the spacer allows for fine control of the force required to pull the sections toward each other, and facilitates the reuse of such links when the deformation of the spring elements is substantially elastic.

It is to be understood that the deformable coupling member can also include features such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,170,884 and 6,302,450; The use of a flattened joint without grooves as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,439,979, 3,024,046, 5,911,446, and 6,302,450, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The deformable mechanical tube coupling according to the present invention provides a quick and accurate installation of a pipe joint while eliminating the need to partially or completely disassemble and then reassemble the joint and process the individual parts.

10. . . Pipe joint

12. . . Section

14. . . Section

16. . . Tube component

16a. . . End part

18. . . Tube component

18a. . . End part

20. . . The outer surface

twenty two. . . The outer surface

twenty four. . . Lug

26. . . Lug

28. . . bolt

29. . . Thread

30. . . Nut

32. . . Arched surface

34. . . Arched surface

36. . . case

38. . . Side wall

40. . . Back wall

42. . . aisle

44. . . Seal

46. . . Lip

48. . . Tongue

60. . . gap

64. . . Concave

66. . . Increase the area of bending deflection

68. . . gap

69. . . tooth

70. . . Anti-rotation tooth

72. . . Connection piece

74. . . Section

76. . . Connection piece

78. . . Section

80. . . Section

82. . . First arched surface

86. . . Second arched surface

90. . . Larger diameter tube element

92. . . Smaller diameter tube element

94. . . Trench

96. . . Connection piece

98. . . Section

100. . . Section

102. . . Arched surface

104. . . Arched surface

106. . . Trench

108. . . Tube component

110. . . Tube component

112. . . Tube component

114. . . Tube component

116. . . High circumferential shoulder

118. . . Connection piece

120. . . Section

122. . . Section

124. . . Arched surface

126. . . Arched surface

128. . . Tube component

130. . . Tube component

132. . . Flared end portion

134. . . Flared end portion

136. . . Connection piece

138. . . Section

140. . . Section

142. . . Lug

144. . . Lug

146. . . Tie

148. . . Arched surface

150. . . Arched surface

156. . . Obliquely oriented surface portion

158. . . Obliquely oriented surface portion

162. . . aisle

164. . . case

166. . . Back wall

168. . . Side wall

170. . . Seal

172. . . Concave

174. . . Connection piece

176. . . Section

178. . . Section

180. . . Arched surface

182. . . Notch

184. . . Notch

192. . . Connection piece

194. . . Arched hoop

196. . . Central space

198. . . End

200. . . End

202. . . Lug

204. . . Lug

206. . . bolt

208. . . Nut

210. . . Arched surface

214. . . Seal

216. . . gap

218. . . Hinge

220. . . Connection piece

222. . . Seal

224. . . Section

226. . . Section

228. . . Tube component

230. . . bead

232. . . Shrinkable casing

234. . . Lug

236. . . Lug

238. . . Tie

240. . . Scotch

242. . . Arched surface

244. . . Notch

246. . . Notch

254. . . Connection piece

256. . . Section

258. . . Section

260. . . casing

262. . . Tie

264. . . Lug

266. . . Lug

268. . . Wrinkle

270. . . Connection piece

272. . . Section

274. . . Section

280. . . Tie

282. . . bead

284. . . Block body

286. . . Non-deformable joint

288. . . bead

290. . . Section

292. . . Section

294. . . Transfer joint

296. . . Section

298. . . Section

300. . . Flange

302. . . Arched surface

304. . . bead

306. . . Crushable tubular septum

308. . . Removable spacer

310. . . bead

312. . . Link section

314. . . Link section

316. . . Tie

318. . . Rubber tube

320. . . Coil spring

1-1B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a method of joining tube members in an end-to-end relationship in accordance with the present invention;

2 and 3 are partial cross-sectional views of the tube coupling member of Fig. 1;

Figures 4 and 5 are partial cutaway perspective views of a seal for a pipe coupling according to the present invention;

Figures 6-7 and 8 are axial views of different tube coupling embodiments in accordance with the present invention;

7A and 9-13 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a tube coupling member in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a pipe coupling member in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of the tube coupling of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 16-16 of Figure 14;

Figure 17 is a partially cutaway perspective view of an embodiment of a tube coupling member in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 18 is an axial view of an embodiment of a tube coupling member in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 19 is an axial view of an embodiment of a tube coupling member in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 20 is a partially cutaway axial view of an embodiment of a pipe coupling member in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tube coupling member shown in Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a partially cutaway axial view of an embodiment of a tube coupling member in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 23 is an axial view of an embodiment of a tube coupling member in accordance with the present invention;

24-26 are axial views of an embodiment of a tube coupling in accordance with the present invention.

10‧‧‧ tube joints

Section 12.‧‧

14‧‧‧ Section

16‧‧‧ tube components

End of section 16a‧‧‧

18‧‧‧ tube components

End of section 18a‧‧‧

20‧‧‧ outer surface

22‧‧‧ outer surface

32‧‧‧Arch surface

34‧‧‧Architecture

36‧‧‧Shell

38‧‧‧ side wall

40‧‧‧ Back wall

42‧‧‧ channel

44‧‧‧Seal

56‧‧‧ outside diameter

58‧‧‧Inner diameter

64‧‧‧ recess

Claims (12)

A method of securing opposite end portions of a tubular member in end-to-end relationship, wherein the end portions of the tubular members have an outer surface having a generally cylindrical contour, the method comprising: providing a coupling member Having a plurality of link segments interconnected end to end to surround a central space, the link segments having an arcuate surface adapted to interface with an outer surface of the tubular members, the link further comprising a a seal formed by one of the flexible elastic rings in the central space; the link members are supported on one of the outer surfaces of the ring in spaced relation to each other; the end portions of the tubular members are inserted into the And the connecting members are brought closer to each other such that the arcuate surfaces engage the outer surfaces of the tubular members. The method of claim 1, further comprising deforming the link segments to conform the curvature of the arcuate surfaces of the link segments to the outer surfaces of the tubular members. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the tube members has a circumferential groove adjacent the end portion, the method further comprising the arcuate surfaces of the segments in the tube members The circumferential grooves are joined together. The method of claim 1, wherein the ring comprises a tongue extending circumferentially along the ring and projecting radially inwardly, the method further comprising inserting the end portions of the tube members into the Central space The end portions of the isometric elements engage the tongue. The method of claim 4, wherein the ring further comprises a pair of lips on opposite sides of the tongue and extending circumferentially along the ring, the method further comprising inserting the end portions into the The central space engages each end portion of the tubular members with one of the lips. The method of claim 1, wherein the coupling member further has a lug positioned at each end of each of the segments, the lugs at a segment and the other portion of the segment The convex lugs are in facing relationship, the lugs receiving the tying members that adjustably interconnect the segments, and the joining of the joining members toward each other includes locking the tying Pieces. A method of securing opposite end portions of a tubular member in end-to-end relationship using a coupling member having a plurality of coupling members connected end to end to surround a central space, the coupling members Having an arcuate surface adapted to interface with an outer surface of the tubular members, the coupling further comprising a seal formed by a flexible elastic ring located in the central space, and wherein the ends of the tubular members The portion has an outer surface having a generally cylindrical contour, the method comprising: supporting the member segments on one of the outer surfaces of the ring in spaced relation to each other; inserting the end portions of the tube members Inside the ring; and pulling the link segments toward each other such that the arcuate surfaces engage the outer surfaces of the tubular members. The method of claim 7, further comprising changing the link segments Forming such that the curvature of the arcuate surface of the coupler segments conforms to the outer surfaces of the tubular members. The method of claim 7, wherein each of the tube members has a circumferential groove adjacent the end portion, the method further comprising the arcuate surfaces of the segments in the tube members The circumferential grooves are joined together. The method of claim 7, wherein the ring comprises a tongue extending circumferentially along the ring and projecting radially inwardly, the method further comprising inserting the end portions of the tube members into the The central space engages the end portions of the tubular members with the tongue. The method of claim 10, wherein the ring further comprises a pair of lips on opposite sides of the tongue and extending circumferentially along the ring, the method further comprising inserting the end portions into the The central space engages each end portion of the tubular members with one of the lips. The method of claim 7, wherein the link further has a lug positioned at each end of each of the segments, the lugs at a segment and the other portion of the segment The lugs are in face-to-face relationship, the lugs receiving tie members that adjustably interconnect the segments, the tie members being pulled toward each other to include the tethers Pieces.